Furry Hands

7

Miriam was wearing all black  she wore leggings that clung to her. It was her dance team uniform.

"Hey what's up with you?"

I wasn't ready for this conversation. "Nothing."

"Ryan, I mean it. Something seems off about you. Maybe you're sick."

Time to lie. "Oh yeah. I was playing with my little cousins this weekend. The youngest is four. He coughed on me and I've had a sore throat ever since."

"Hmm. I don't know if that's it. Your voice has seemed different lately but there's something else too. I can't quite put my finger on it. Oh well, you probably shouldn't kiss me until you feel better."

"Right. I was just going to say that. Hope you kick ass at your competition."

She thanked me and blew a kiss at me.

"Oh God, Miriam'll find out!" I thought. What if she saw me transform? Or what if I turned into a wolf when we were alone? It would traumatize her.

"What if he could turn her into a female wolf?" The idea was exciting but it also disgusted me. She'd be covered with fur. She'd have a soft tail. Mmmm. That's not really what I wanted. Why couldn't I be normal?

Maybe the best thing for me would be to run away. I wouldn't do it in a silly childish way though. In six months, I'd be applying to colleges. If I went off to school far away, I would never have to see Miriam again. I'd still have to see my family occasionally but I'd just have to hold it together for a little bit of time.